Learning To Log On

Beth Lewis likes to smile, and for good reason. She's the new owner of Computer Coach, a seven-year-old Boca Raton-based technical training center.

Her mission is helping her customers unravel the complications of computers.

Staying ahead of the learning curve is what Computer Coach is about, Lewis said.

"Our goal is to help individuals and corporate users maximize their investment in computers," she said. "It's a real challenge."

Changing technology makes today's computer hardware purchase seem obsolete before the trashman hauls the box away. And the software, the electronic instructions that make the machine go, changes even faster.

Think of hardware as an electric mixer and software as the wire beaters. Both are needed to mix the cake. The truly old-fashioned just use a spoon.

Jim Grunza is one of them. An electrical engineer and self-proclaimed over-achiever, Grunza retired early from IBM, got bored, and began a teaching career.

During a recent class, Grunza trained a group of accountants on the ins and outs of new software recently installed by their employer.

The students had differing levels of computer experience, but Grunza patiently kept everyone on track.

"Our clients have a right to expect everyone to be properly trained," he said.

"I'm learning a lot," said student Jennifer Smith, who recently joined the accounting firm.

Other services offered by Lewis include Web site design and marketing for those interested in probing the Internet. The company will also help clients shop for the right hardware.

FOR THE RECORD - PUBLISHED THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1998Because of an editing error, an article on page 4 of Wednesday's Community Close-Up incorrectly reported the price of an introductory computing course offered by Computer Coach of Boca Raton. The course costs $29. We regret the error.

How Lewis came to acquire Computer Coach is a training course in patience and persistence.

"My dream was to find something that was part education and part business," said Lewis, a former publishing executive. "Of course, I wanted a business where I could make a living, while at the same time being something I could afford. That screen eliminated many, many businesses that have been for sale in this area."

Lewis used a broker during a search that took nearly two years.

"I nearly drove her crazy," she said.

Was it worth it? Apparently, yes.

"I was thrilled when I found Computer Coach," Lewis said. "Not only does it fit my screen of characteristics, but I found that the quality of educational programs offered and the quality of the Web site work being done for clients are both very high."

Quality is key in the technical training business, for this is an industry virtually anyone can claim to have expertise.

For example, type the words "computer training" into an Internet search engine -- the computer's equivalent of the Yellow Pages -- and more than 40,000 companies electronically appear.

For Lewis, the choice is clear: Log onto www.computercoach.com. She's banking on advertising to attract more business.

"For example, we offer gift certificates for hard-to-buy-for friends and family members, including an introductory course to computers for only $2," Lewis said.

It could be a good Christmas present -- particularly for night-before-Christmas computer owners wondering why their screen is not stirring, not even the mouse.

Computer Coach is in the Mission Bay Shopping Plaza west of Boca Raton.

For information, call 561-483-0140 or e-mail at blewis@computercoach.com.